Free online WAV to OMA converter

What the WAV format is

WAV is a RIFF-based audio container most commonly holding uncompressed linear PCM. It preserves the source samples without lossy compression, so files are large: CD-quality stereo audio uses about 10 MB per minute at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit resolution.

Audio recorders, Windows sound tools, Audacity, Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, REAPER, and other digital audio workstations commonly create WAV files. WAV is used for recording, editing, mastering, sound effects, and exchanging audio between applications because PCM support is widespread.

What the OMA format is

OMA is Sony's OpenMG Audio container, usually associated with ATRAC3 or ATRAC3plus audio. It was used by SonicStage, NetMD hardware, and older Sony Walkman devices. ATRAC compression produces much smaller files than PCM WAV, with a quality and bitrate trade-off intended for portable playback.

OMA is not simply another WAV variant. The container may include Sony-specific headers, metadata, and digital-rights-management information. A file produced for a particular OpenMG library or device may therefore be unusable in ordinary media players even when its audio codec is supported.

How to actually convert WAV to OMA

For a straightforward file conversion, use the built-in converter on 101convert.com:

1. Open the Audio converter and choose WAV as the input format and OMA as the output format.
2. Select input.wav from your computer.
3. Choose an ATRAC bitrate or quality option if the converter provides one. Higher bitrates retain more detail and create larger files.
4. Start the conversion, then save the generated output.oma.
5. Open the result in the intended Sony software or copy it to the target device if that device accepts non-DRM OMA files.

The conversion can be performed free on 101convert.com without installing desktop software. Do not upload recordings containing confidential material unless the service's handling and retention terms are acceptable.

For an older Sony library or device that specifically requires OpenMG management, use Sony SonicStage where it is still installed and licensed:

1. Import the WAV through File → Import or the library's equivalent.
2. Set the ATRAC3 or ATRAC3plus format and bitrate in SonicStage's import or transfer preferences.
3. Import or transfer the recording. SonicStage creates an OMA-based library file and may apply OpenMG rights management.
4. Use SonicStage's own transfer function for compatible hardware; copying the resulting file in Windows Explorer may not work.

SonicStage is discontinued and may require an older Windows environment. If the destination is a current phone, computer, or media player, use FLAC, AAC, MP3, or another supported format instead of OMA.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

Converting WAV to ATRAC-based OMA is normally lossy. Keep the original WAV as the archival or editing master, and avoid repeated conversions through other lossy formats.

Use a WAV with ordinary PCM audio rather than compressed or unusual WAV variants. Sample-rate, channel-count, maximum-bitrate, and file-size limits depend on the converter, ATRAC encoder, SonicStage version, and Sony device.

OMA playback support is limited. Some applications can decode the ATRAC stream but not Sony's OpenMG headers; DRM-protected OMA files may be restricted to the account and hardware that created them. Renaming .oma to .mp3 or .wav does not convert the audio and can make the file harder to identify.